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Selvage Designs Presents the Foxglove Top for Women

19June | 2014

I am a joiner. I hate to miss a party or be left out of most anything. Especially anything that involves dark chocolate, sewing, or espionage thrillers.

So naturally I was thrilled when Lauren Dahl of Selvage Designs asked me to test her latest pattern for women—the Foxglove racer back top. Well, I was thrilled until I saw the pattern. My first reaction? “Oh that is a darling top—for the younger gals.”

Color me surprised. I made this top up and I.Love.It.I find it is a great layering piece to throw over a T, or to wear all by its lonesome on the <2> scorchingly hot summer days we have here in Seattle. <LOL>.

Also, did you notice the lovely, hi-cut armholes? I am totally not a fan of arm-boob, so the drafting in this area pleased me.

The back of the Foxglove is cut in in typical racer-back style, so you will definitely see your bra straps. If that bothers you, a close-fitting T underneath would do the trick.

Did I also mention I am not a big hi-lo fan? But the shaping on this top is subtle enough that I actually really like it. Of course, because you S-E-W, you can straighten the hem or make other pattern variations to suit your personal preferences.

As originally drafted the Foxglove is supposed to include a center front and center back seam with topstitching details. I detest topstitching ITY jersey. So the pattern variation I decided to implement was to cut both the back and front on the fold, eliminating the center seams. Who would see the topstitching in this print, anyway?

Another design line I adore on this pattern is the neckline. Nicely done, Lauren! Yes, it is rounded, but in kind of a V-like way. I think it is just a particularly pretty design line. During the pattern testing there was some chatter about changing this line, and I screamed a vehement NO! She heard me. 😉

OK, here are the technical details of this pattern review IMHO:

Pattern Drafting: A+.

This pattern fits together beautifully, including the curved hemline matching. I am a stickler for quality drafting, and Lauren passed with flying colors.

Pattern Design: B

Very nice simple, design. In patternreview.com parlance —a great wardrobe builder. The Foxglove may not be the most exciting design I have ever seen, but it is a darn attractive top that is wearable on many body shapes and sizes. And ages, too. 😉

Pattern Instructions: B+

Very well done with plenty of pictures and detail.

If you love supporting Indie pattern designers like I do, Selvage Designs is definitely worth a look. Check out the Foxglove pattern testing roundup so you can see the variety of body shapes and fabrics used during testing. I think you might agree this pattern has a place in your collection. Make up a Foxglove for yourself—it will only cost you a few hours time. You certainly can’t convince me there isn’t at least one piece of knit fabric in your stash that would work nicely for this top! 😉

I received a free copy of the Foxglove draft and final pattern for testing; the views expressed are my own.

Looks great! I’m with you on he hi-low trend; I think someday we’ll look at photos and say: Wow, that was really early 2000-teens…. 😉 But this one is subtle and flattering, especially on you! Pinned and s-t-u-m-b-l-e-d…..

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Hi, I'm Maris!

I am a sewing nerd. I collect fabrics, notions, patterns, sewing books, and sewing tools. I attend sewing workshops, conferences, and take classes every chance I get.
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